Products that made a difference for me.
It was time to make some updates, and upgrades over the past year. Remember when starting out, please do your homework on what you need to get started, and not just get things because they are the hot tool at the time.
That being said, most of the videos, blog posts, pictures, and content have been done starting out with using the basics that came with the macbook pro. Many of the live video was done with just an iPhone and no special added tricks.
As the budget grew, income started to increase it was then that the following items were collected to make it a smoother process in creating content for blogs and video.
AT 2100 USB microphone :
First was the new microphone. Over the years the Blue Snowball did the trick, it was under $100 and did an ok job. But it was alway bulky to carry when traveling so it was time to upgrade. The new microphone is another basic but a great starter that packs smaller especially with the case. It has great sound and works with both desktop and laptop with USB connections. As you can see from the link below this was cheaper than the snowball which was originally around $95.
Microphone case:
For travel this case had the foam cutouts for everything needed with this microphone, stand, and cable. all compact to fit inside the suitcase for travel and keep it from damage. All for under $12
Selfie light with USB power:
This selfie light comes with a clamp mount that attaches to the desk, Then a phone holder to have your hands free while you broadcast. Yes it even fits my iPhone Plus sized phone. With several lighting adjustments you can adjust your light to what is needed in your room. I have used this with desktop, laptop, and had iPhone in the holder. The light worked to keep light while dual broadcasting from both phone and desktop.
18 inch Ring Light:
With taking the studio to a new level it was time to get a large light. But also have the freedom to put it inside a case if you need to travel with it. This light has a great stand, the light is dimmable and comes with white, and yellow filters. This really brings the broadcasts to life, and you can mount your camera, phone, or just have it placed in front of your computer to bring light while using your computer camera.
The Mevo Camera:
This is the newest camera ive been playing with. You can imagine all the tricks of running a wide angle camera if you are trying to do a show and need the camera to show more than your face.
This camera has many features to broadcast on facebook, youtube, periscope, twitter, and even to your website with the proper Vimeo package. This camera is designed for live streaming and yet you can save it to your drive and do other things with it as well. Still playing with this, and had to upgrade my Vimeo account to make it more useful. Still have not seen what it will do with Youtube but have done a few facebook broadcasts. Warning you should have a good wifi connection to make this work.
The Mini clip on Selfie Ring light:
This cool little ring light is much brighter than the desk mount with phone holder that was purchased in the spring. It clips right on the laptop around the camera as well. Its small compact size fits right inside the microphone box for travel. Used it in a bar the other night to do a quick broadcast in a dark room and wow was blown away at how bright it was.
These are just a few things Ive found to make the broadcasting easier. Again check things out for yourself, and start with simple and work you way up. Tools are great but treat your live streaming, videos, and blogging like a business. Invest as you grow.
Tim Gillette is a Speaker, Award winning Blogger, Best Selling Author, and Host of the Blog And Video Con hosted in Dallas Texas every fall and spring. Join the list to get updates how to make your online marketing Simple Easy at www.NotTomPetty.com
